Simple Speaker Stands // Woodworking How To | I Like To Make Stuff

I made some really simple speaker stands using different tools!
This video is sponsored by 3M. Check them out at bit.ly/2xkN9he
The content and opinions expressed here are that of Bob Clagett. Riding a scooter can be dangerous. Use common sense and wear appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet and shoes
TOOLS & SUPPLIES:
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I wanted to cross off a simple project from my growing list of crazy ideas. I had to look no further than the audio monitors on my desk. In this project, I'm going to make a pair of hardwood speaker stands.
I have made a conscious effort to practice 3d modeling in Fusion 360 more. When I decided to make some simple speaker stands, I opened up Fusion and got to work creating a model. I didn't want a large footprint on my new desk, so I designed some tapered legs that would hold up the speaker platform. I added some decorative geometry and some simple chamfers to give the pieces some uniqueness.
Because this project is pretty straightforward: stick on template, cut, glue pieces; I wanted to show that a project like this can be made using any number of tools. Yes, I have a shop full of power tools and I love them. I am blessed enough to have amassed a substantial collection of machines and jigs that make woodworking EASIER, not possible. These speaker stands were designed with straight lines and angles so that someone with basic hand tools could make them.
I made the first set of legs using the miter saw to rough cut the walnut board, the jointer to flatten a side, and the table saw to cut out the parallel shapes. This traditional woodworking flow required me to adjust the templates a few times to make sure the paper lined up with the table saw fence. Using the table saw to cut the mitered legs left my fingers uncomfortably close to the blade the further I went along. After all that, had four identical legs that had crisp and clean straight lines.
To make the second stand, I started with the templates on the board and rough cut them out using the band saw and the jig saw. I stayed on the outside of the line so that I could sand the edges flat. I also wanted to show that hand saws could accomplish the same tasks, so I busted out my grandad's old saw to knock off the decorative corners. I glued up the two leg sets and used a dado stack to cut in a groove that would hold the platform (this could also be done with a router).
With both sets of legs complete, I cut the maple platforms on the table saw. I added the simple chamfer to the front edge by tilting the blade 30 degrees. This could also be done with a chamfering bit on a router if you had a bit that matched the desired angle. I glued the legs onto the platforms and added a few coats of Formby's tung oil to finish them up.
Not everyone will need stools for their audio monitors, but these simple stands can be made for anything, not just speakers, and as you've seen they can be made with really basic tools. I hope this project showed that you don't have to own the fanciest tools or a full array of woodworking machines to make something great. Expensive tools and large-capacity items just make the process faster, not necessarily better.
As you progress in any skill, you'll find that your abilities or your workflow may outperform your current tools, if so, then it may be time to upgrade. My shop is a mixture of entry-level and commercial-grade tools because I've needed to level-up certain areas to match my workflow. Be smart about your tool purchases and remember that the tools don't make the project, you do!
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About I Like To Make Stuff:
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These videos are our attempt inspire and empower others to make the stuff that they want to have. Hopefully you'll see something here that will inspire you to make something that you're passionate about!
Simple Speaker Stands // Woodworking How To | I Like To Make Stuff
• Simple Speaker Stands ...
I Like To Make Stuff
/ iliketomakestuff

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Forgot to post it, but in case anyone wants to make some stands like this, I've got templates available on my website. www.iliketomakestuff.com/different-ways-make-simple-speaker-stands/

[@shafayasghar5710]

Bob your videos have inspired me to start my own woodworking. I would love to read your book and will get it through amazon in no time. I have started woodworking but I don't know how to use my tools. Could you do a tutorial or link me to a nice beginners tutorial because the videos I saw were not that great.

[@oliverhunt8504]

Bob , you should make a wooden 3D pin art board

[@D2Kprime]

This may sound like an odd request, but being that you are a musician if you don't already have one have have you tried making a talkbox similar to what Eric Clapton or Roger Troutman used? I've seen other KZbin videos on how to make one but I'd like to see your take on it. If you are interested of course.

[@adam_aronson]

Hi Bob! I’m curious about the fence you have on your SawStop. It doesn’t appear to be the stock fence. Is it a third party add-on?

[@mohammadabukaff6935]

Hi bob how are you?? I hope you make chess 🤗🤗🤗

[@brickdaddiy]

And here I thought it was just going to be a video of cutting some boards out and gluing them together. Those turned out pretty amazing!

[@I3urton]

I love how your videos just keep getting better and better, no matter what you actually do. Production quality as a whole, cuts, camera work, use of music, you name it. Not to mention the quality of your projects and the outcome, your seemingly endless pool of ideas and your incredible way to explain things. Best youtuber ever.

[@v1d300]

One thing I really really like about your videos is that each of his independent of your other project, what I mean whenever possible you go out the way to explain all the various ways a task can be achieved from complex to simple in almost every video. Most others might just say check my other video for that method which is quite annoying at times if they are not your subscriber. Thank you Bob for being so considerate.

[@jonathanlambach2229]

I love how you’ve explained your different processes and how accessible you have made this project with those explanations! I appreciate your hard work and how you teach while you make stuff. Thanks for sharing, and keep making!

[@darshansk139]

I wanted to say the exact same thing!

[@SuitedCynic]

Love the underlying message of the video! If you don't have the exact same tools, get some more info and get creative - same thing is still possible!

[@noremorsewoodworking2258]

I agree, it is not a question of what you have, it is how you use what you have.

[@hofa]

I like the small changes in your videos. I can't really put my finger on it but it's a good sign that this channel isn't going down soon. In flemish we have a saying 'stil staan is achteruit gaan' which roughly translates to: 'standing still means going backward'. Don't get caught being comfortable in what your doing, which is hard! Innovate, create, make, keep up the good work!

[@mturner7766]

It’s great that you showed so many options. It just shows that anyone can do it. We all aspire to have all the best tools but space and money limit most of us. It’s great that you show these options. Thanks Bob!

[@BuildStuffwithAJ]

Pretty cool and very simple project, alot of people think you need expensive tools to do wood working but I'm glad you pointed out that you can always get the same job done with hand tools. It just takes longer.

[@AbbasmyabzzHameer]

This is great. I love how he takes the time to explain everything he does and that he tells us how to do it if we don't have the tools he uses. Brilliant 😅👍

[@maxcar7298]

Love the way you teach saying that almost everything can be done with rly cheap tools, makes things a lot easier, ty for real

[@SkullCollectorD5]

You are absolutely right in saying that power tools are a thing of convenience! When you cut that little corner with your handsaws, I remembered watching another channel make a workbench and he postponed finishing the top, because he couldn't cut it with the depth of his circular saw. A 300 mm panel saw was all he needed, but because all he knew was his power tools, he couldn't complete it for the video. Tempted to say that it's sad, but totally understand relying on power tools as time savers and for precision. Mind your roots; hand tools offer ways of problem solving that are not possible with electric stuff.

[@wildbobentertainment]

I absolutely love your speaker stands. Their simple functionality and two tone look has inspired me to make my own set. If I had one complaint, it is for your final assembly. Please consider running the wires down the legs for a cleaner desk look. Because we see that desk in a lot of your videos, my ocd will thank you. God bless, Bob.

[@j.justin1511]

Beautiful work, as usual, Bob. And I love the ever-present Star Wars nerdity in and around your work area!

[@Beanyboy305]

You should’ve added a groove down the back leg for wires to run down. (Cable management)

[@tayred81]

Yeah, i like it when you make projects possible for us that don't have big tools like a table or bandsaw. More of those videos would be much appreciated. Thankd /Fredrik from Sweden

[@CloverRose]

I made a corner unit shelf to go against the wall on my computer desk. It's extremely sturdy and I made it out of 4 mil MDF using a Stanley knife and strong glue. It cost me less than $10 to make and it's still together 7 years later. I also made a tree book shelf out of a 2cm thick pine slab. All I used was a pack of screws (about 15 screws), wood glue and an electric drill. You could do the same thing with a screw driver but if you don't predrill the timber, it might split. I got the measurements cut to size at the hardware store. It took a day and a half to put together and cost less than buying one online. And mine is twice the size and I made it to fit in a certain area. I own a jigsaw, multi tool with attachments to sand and cut wood, electric drill with every drill bit you could imagine, clamps, sand paper..... you name it, I've got it, but you can make anything if you're creative with the tools you have. You can make a lot out of MDF, a screw driver and glue.

[@Iruini626]

Im happy that you described multiple ways to do a work. It gives inspiration to me since I do not have power tools. You should include the reasons for choice of wood for your future projects too. Your mention about wood grain is useful for inexperienced makers. 👍👍

[@EvanAndKatelyn]

Oooo fancy transition at 0:26 just like you talked about on the Making It Podcast!! Looks good!

[@lilthotslayerakayungsweetp7109]

EvanAndKatelyn ayy ur the people from the new video (collab)

[@JBCreations2650]

Pro Tip: You can make anything with a file. It's just gonna take a long time.

[@tsopremerecords9879]

Masonry

[@LuisCasstle]

Seriously 😂

[@karloturalija7687]

Keep up the good work Bob. I'm only 12 years old and you inspired me to get into woodworking (actually you and my grandpa)

[@JonathanRansom]

Those tuned out great! I was waiting for you to mention you could also cut them out with lightsabers...

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Hahaha! I totally forgot that!

[@TheOtherMaximillian]

I like that even though his channel's got bigger (therefore his workshop), Bob still shows ways to make projects with a very limited selection of tools. Loads of channels that have gotten bigger like Film Riot don't even do DIY videos anymore and assume you have expensive gear. I don't blame them for using more expensive stuff, but I appreciate Bob helping those with less gear.

[@knockitclose]

Great job Bob. I’ve always enjoyed your videos. The slightly refreshed format was even more informative. Thanks.

[@ryanking5454]

Love it. You did a great job of making the project accessible. Good work.

[@TheThirdWorldCitizen]

I really appreciate the effort you put into your videos. Just look at the description of the video, you almost wrote a book my friend. Thank you for taking the time of making your content as flawless as possible

[@DanGamble]

Love the diversity of techniques you've demonstrated in this project vid. Really well done dude. Thanks.

[@gavirialive]

I love not only the quality of your projects but also how you throw so many tips to us in between your explanations... awesome, thanks for sharing you knowledge

[@sumosprojects]

Great to have the visual of the many techniques possible to make something, that visual allows all abilities of woodworking to have a go 👍

[@sowmyaj1971]

great improvement in this year...as always love your videos

[@LDMco]

this is great. im thinking of redesigning my room and my setup, and this looks like a great idea. great video bob!

[@beeharle1327]

Your ideas are so cool and so rustic but so simple. I've got a lot of different ideas from you that have made projects a whole lot easier. It would be awesome to see some more ideas for your kids to give to my huge family

[@rockincowgirl10]

I love those shelves. They're so cute. And your coffee mug at the beginning of the video.

[@corinneelizabethrywalt5205]

Thank you for showcasing similar ways to create without a bunch of cool tools! I don't have an extensive shop setup so videos like this really help me experiment with what I have.

[@Ravenspath]

Really like you discussing the use of alternate methods to use during a build. Thanks for the great videos.

[@BryanKipke]

Thank you for the vid. I like the info on how to use different methods to accomplish the same thing. That will be helpful as I have an opportunity to bud my own small shop.

[@scootersworkbench6347]

Nice vid! Thanks for taking the extra time to show so many options to accomplish the task.

[@WhatIsKenDoing]

I like those shelves. I could see variants of that design being very useful on a cramped kitchen counter.

[@benjkeller]

I love that design, and they came out great! They’ve got me thinking about scaling them up to a couple of end tables....

[@SmoofDizzle]

These look great Bob! I am so trying this, my speakers at home at a bit more narrow than the ones you have here but I can just change the dimensions to fit. This will be a nice simple project I can attempt as I am fairly new to woodworking in general. Thanks for the amazing content!!

[@zukaro]

This is definitely one of my favourite channels on KZbin. I've yet to really build much myself but it's something I wanna get into at some point. More specifically I wanna play around with robotics and such, but I haven't really had a chance to get into it yet (just due to the cost). But, I might look into just getting a few hand tools to make some simple and inexpensive things not necessarily relating to robotics (one thing I've wanted to do for awhile is build a platform for my bed so I can raise it up off the floor and give me a space to put my desk or other things underneath it, considering that space is only used during the night, so during the day it essentially just goes to waste; and that's a fairly simple project which should be easy to accomplish with hand tools alone).

[@SpecificLove7]

Thanks for showing all of the options, it is very helpful.

[@RiaanOliver]

Great stuff, the design is simple and elegant for a speaker stand. Just reading your book now good stuff.

[@augustbiernbaum4841]

I built a desk like your last one, except with heat aged walnut, this will be a welcome addition to it!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Right on!

[@chopa479]

Just stumbled across this channel and i must say i am falling in love. Your walk throughs are very helpful. Watching ur videos really makes me want to start making stuff. Also these stands turned out beautiful!!!

[@drewr729]

Bob, thank you for keeping your language clean. My young boys like your videos!

[@BatesonBen]

Legendary. Something so simple, yet the techniques and detail, so good. Love watching ILTMS, thanks mate

[@asandovalhatchet]

I love how you took what could have been a simple shelf and made it into such an elegant piece! awesome video!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks Alberto!!

[@thesuperhero]

I love how you show multiple ways to make these

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

Great video. It's good seeing the different ways you can accomplish the same task. They turned out great.

[@daveturnbull7221]

I reckon I could make those using my flea market hand tools (hand saws, chisels and planes) without a problem. Too many folks think you can only do stuff if you've got the latest of everything. It just means you can do it quicker. Thanks for pointing this out throughout the video. May 2018 bring you and yours everything you need with a bit extra for fun.

[@princearchie]

What can i say, Bob you are the greatest. You and your videos are the best. You are a great inspirator and one of the best youtubers out there. Keep up the great work that you are doing. Love and respect from Slovenia.

[@tedbonbrake1967]

Loved this build. Simple design anyone can make and something that would appeal to the masses. Your style of video is excellent. Keep it up! One of my favorite subscriptions.

[@isaeagle4031]

Nice project! Speaker building is what most of my woodworking is about. You did a great service to the krks, getting them up like this.

[@DNHandcrafted]

Love the design, so simple but so beautiful. And the scripted transition wasn’t lost on me either! Love that you were talking about it on the podcast and now it’s popping up in the videos. Hope you had a great Christmas.

[@BruceAUlrich]

I noticed it too! Putting it all into practice...that's great!

[@GustavandHilda]

Those transitions made us unnecessary happy going "I see what you did there Bobby!" 😄

[@BruceAUlrich]

What a nice looking solution and addition to your desk! I like the design of these.

[@karsteinjansen5325]

Bruce A. Ulrich O

[@c.e.f4916]

You wouldn’t happen to have a brother named Lars would ya?

[@BruceAUlrich]

ha ha...no. Don't I wish though.

[@c.e.f4916]

Bruce A. Ulrich don’t we all wish that? Lol.

[@julianbrecciaroli7577]

Great video! I would love to see more videos in this format, where you show what other tools you can use.

[@chron0dude]

This right here is reason I subscribed! These seemingly simple tips help more than you'd know! Great work Bob!

[@notreallydaedalus]

Loved seeing alternative methods for those of us with a limited shop, thanks!

[@colemanbecker1392]

This is awesome I just started listening to your making it podcast. Starting through the backlog.

[@texasnewf]

Love the design Bob, simple but elegant

[@GuillaumeVende]

Really love the idea of teaching how to do things with simple tools ! We want other videos like this !

[@thacorruptor4472]

I love the bloopers.. you need more of those, or have more at the end for those of us that watch til the very end :D Nice simple little project

[@BronkBuilt]

Looks great. Love showing the use of different tools.

[@joeyg5639]

Thank you for showing different ways to accomplish it

[@DustyEktpo]

Simple and beautiful!

[@norm962]

Loved the transitions and the teaching style. Well done

[@WayWoodworking]

The design is simple I guess you could say but they look great! It's like 2 personal end tables for the speakers!

[@emeraldgypsyheart]

Thank you Bob! This project gave me an idea for a step for our aging minipins!!!

[@drtomasdds]

Bob, the Stuff you make is so awesome. You rock!

[@bradleyabel]

This video is great cause u have options of how to make it considering what tools u have, it helped me it a lot, u should implement these style in more videos

[@forby_]

RIP torched intro wood block. You served us well ☠️

[@farmershorty4491]

Love the video it's really cool how you take something simple and make it really amazing

[@cmnakano8211]

Excelent video! I always enjoy them.

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi, Nice job, looks good and you have more room on your desk now. Good luck for next year and have a nice time over the holidays.

[@alexkoch8716]

Love you video. You are so creative keep up the great work

[@iDeviceChgr]

Love the design! Great job Bob! 👍🏼

[@canyflyer]

BOB!! You make the simplest project exciting! You're love of making stuff is addictive!! (P.S. love the outtakes at the end!)

[@st1ng3ryt77]

Love you videos Bob keep doing what your doing

[@drillandfill6513]

I caught that trick you picked up from Alec Steele and that you mentioned in the podcast. It looked great and is a good fit. Keep it up man. -Tyler

[@stek_customfurn]

Love it! You’re an absolute legend bob, I love your videos ☺️☺️

[@CasualDIY]

Great little project that looks really awsome!

[@77martinv]

This is a fun quick project. nice!

[@AaronPowellvox]

Thanks for another awesome project. Those look so much nicer than the plain Jane ones from a box store. Another way to make the dado would be to do several passes with a skill saw and chisel out the remaining wood.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks Aaron! Yes! Another great accessible idea!

[@DMonZ1988]

they're lovely! thank you for going through so much extra effort to show us how accessible woodworking can be! i really like these stands and happen to need some, so consider me inspired! i'll be making some for sure :-)

[@lelandwigren]

love how simple this design is, and it looks damn good too!

[@ryanstevens2769]

Fantastic! I can't wait to build a set for myself!

[@AGlimpseInside]

Bro. I have the same rockit 5’s and now I know how I’m going to lift them! These stands rock! Great design!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Sweet!

[@RounakGandhi]

Great video, one suggestion is to channel your speaker cables behind the leg close to the monitor. That way you will have a clean looking setup

[@LS-zz6oz]

Hey bob love your videos👍, please never stop with building cool stuff

[@Yorgolicious]

I needed that Acetone tip sooo bad! Awesome!

[@OlympusHeavyCavalry]

I worked out my seating position opposed to the desk dimensions, then worked out the height and distance of my ear/eye level from the floor, then to the back of the desk/wall while still seated. I also worked out the height of my monitor speakers with noise reduction foam and this enabled me to work the dimensions out and the final positions of the two monitor speakers and lcd monitor. Using this, I then constructed a mini table out of pine and aluminium using stainless steel fasteners only. This enabled me to sit both my monitor speakers and LCD monitor at ear and eye level at a very comfortable distance producing optimal sound and visual imaging for me, yet the mini table was very balanced regarding it's length and width, even without the added weight. One thing I found was never use cheap forstner bits and that cutting or drilling round aluminium tubing stock parallel/square can be difficult.

[@vitaliytyshevskyy3706]

i love how you make simple and awesome stuff! Keep up the great ideas

[@ascottishguy9462]

I've been a fan for a while and I have to say. You good sir are a major inspiration to me and give me ideas and such that help me when Im in my school techie department

[@creato938]

That was pretty awesome, i really like the idea.

[@talha682]

Bobs liking to make stuff, is making me loving to make stuff.

[@leifprice8836]

His passion is indeed infectious. And his vids are really good.

[@ThisIsReMarkable]

Officially out of ideas I see... JUST KIDDING! As someone who isn't able to create their own shop, I needed to hear the bit about power tools *not* being the only way to get a job accomplished. Great video as always Bob! Bring on the new year of ILTMS!

[@belle4078]

Josh is such a great cameraman! Love seeing the already quality content on your channel become even better!

[@stoltzk]

I love those speaker shelves!

[@half4team]

You probably want to add rubber feet (or hotglue feet) to prevent them from vibrating of the table. Love your videos! Keep it up!